The season opening of the newly crowned Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Series kicked off on Saturday at Fuchs South Coast Raceway with competitor entries of over 135 fighting for championship points.
Since last season Fuchs South Coast Raceway has undergone a major upgrade of the racing surface, the track is now concrete which includes upgraded safety catch nets.
Even with only a few meetings run on the new surface, the positive feedback from the drivers was greatly welcomed by the South Coast Drag Racing Association, with an unbelievable 86 personal bests recorded in qualifying ranging from quick 60 foot times and even some teams cutting off a full tenth from their ET.
SuperComp
In Super Comp all eyes were on Craig Geddes in his new dragster, Geddes went 4.54 and was well under the B/Dragster 4.95 index (-0.403). Despite damaging a cylinder head Daniel Camilleri was still on the pace with his DD/GA Pontiac qualifying second with a 4.89 (-0.396).
Modified Bike
It seems every time Rob Cassar is at the track it’s on a different motorbike. He took his Kawasaki Z900 to a best of 5.596 at 121.97MPH during qualifying. Local Warrnambool Drags club president Tony Frost was on the ball all day pushing his new Suzuki bike to personal bests, off the trailer it laid down a blistering 5.023 at 137.07 mph top qualifying run. Frost said their was more in the bike but was more focused on making it consistent for eliminations tomorrow.
Super Street
Local country man Chris King in his purple Ford Capri said the field was very competitive as it featured season champions and teams that go the extra mile to be competitive however that didn’t stop him from running super consistent himself. His best time of the day was 7.109 at 97.05 mph. Fuchs South Coast Raceway commentator Gregory Holland was among the consistent entries whilst switching between the mic and the wheel, Sydney’s John Kerr top qualified with a 7.01
Super Sedan
Last seasons Super Sedan champion John Kapiris was on the money for his first run off the trailer, with a 0.011 reaction time and a respectful 6.198 at 109.94 mph. Other highlights in the class included Vlado Turk from South Australia in his Ford MKII Cortina snapping up a perfect reaction time. Local racer Tim Parker was testing his new combo, his best time of the day was 6.192 at 112.74 mph and Jeff Fitzgerald top qualified.
Top Sportsman
The inaugural showing of Top Sportsman had eight entries, Paul Russo in his gorgeous Chev was consistently the quickest car in the field and the only one into the four second zone with a 4.82 best.
Super Gas
Super Gas had one of its largest fields ever at Fuchs South Coast Raceway with 18 entries, including Matt Forbes the two time national champion. Forbes had his stunningly presented Ford Roadster on the money in qualifying with an almost perfect time in Q2 of 6.302 at 130.76 mph to top the sheets.
Supercharged Outlaws
One of the smaller fields these meeting but one of the most exciting. Heavy hitters in the class included Craig Hanley from NSW in his 526ci Holden Ute, Justin Russell from Colac in his Keith Black 526ci Chevy Camaro. The first few rounds for Outlaws were mostly just to get a feel of the new racing surface and adjusting their setups to the changes, despite this they did put a great show for the spectators, Hanley top qualified narrowly with a 4.403 ahead of Paul Stephen and Doina Day.
Modified
Among the 16 entries in the class saw Leanne Braggs back in the hot seat after some recovery time on the sidelines after a scary crash last season at Mildura. Her best time of the day was a snappy 4.583 at 150.82 mph. Highlights in the class was local Chris Farrell who was consistently laying down 4.7 passes. Kenny Stewart almost managed a perfect RT with a 0.005, with a best of 4.744 at 144.63 mph and Jayden Talbot top qualified with his FED on a 4.56.
Junior Dragster
Season champion Toby Austin was on track to defend the title in the Junior Dragster class, his time was 7.942 at 81.98 mph and would top qualify. Other quick times include Jake Cartledge with a 7.961 at 82.17 mph and Andrew Shirley with a 7.960 at 82.42 mph.
{fcomment}
